Can Middle Schoolers Apply for Scholarships?
Scholarships are frequently recommended for high schoolers, but what about middle school students? It is never too early to start thinking about college. Middle schoolers can find scholarships too if you know where to look. The internet has made it possible for middle schoolers to find scholarships with the help of their parents, guardians, or another outside source. The best websites that have databases of scholarship information also include information about how younger students can start the process of finding money for college quickly.
Scholarships are a great way for middle school students to get their feet wet in the world of college education. They are also a great way for students to save money on college tuition, which can be costly at times. Unfortunately, by the time you get to the end of high school, it may be too late to take advantage of some of the best sources of educational money out there. The earlier you start, the higher your chance of entering and completing a university degree program successfully and without tens of thousands of dollars' worth of student loans hanging over your head.
Start Early to Get Academic Scholarships
While it is true that most colleges and universities look for a strong track record of academic achievement in high school to prove a student's skills and dedication, it is possible to find scholarships for middle schoolers based on these things. Most are specifically tailored to a certain subject like the Christopher Columbus awards for middle school STEM programs or the Letters About Literature reading and writing contest.
Although not specifically focused on getting scholarships in middle school, it makes sense to start early in the quest for college tuition money. Research your location's rules about funding for community and state universities associated with GPA, test scores, and high school achievement. Middle school is the best time to make plans to maximize financial aid as the next four years of school commence.
Volunteering and Cause-based Scholarship Opportunities
A variety of different scholarships for middle school students also focus on personal accomplishments and community efforts. For example, the Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger funds award $1,000 and up to young people who work hard to end hunger in their community. Other volunteer-focused scholarships for preteens include ones that cover environmental stewardship, eco-sustainability topics, and efforts toward human and animal rights. Most of these include more than simply volunteering a couple of times a month for a chosen cause. The application packets for scholarships are varied but often include essay writing or other types of presentations.
Look Into Scholarships from Parents' Employers
As soon as your child hits middle school age, start investigating whether the company you work for offers scholarships to family members. You might be surprised at some of the awards available to your son or daughter. Of course, they usually have age or other characteristic requirements that are important to keep track of to maximize the chance of getting financial awards. Do not leave any stone unturned in the quest for college money.